Hi Reader,

On the heels of my last newsletter (where I spoke about risk in storytelling), I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why some movies connect… and why others just don’t.

Not just in terms of box office or streaming numbers. I mean on a deeper level - the level where audiences either lean in and say, “I’m in”, or quietly check out.

That’s what got me thinking about two recent movies: Netflix’s War Machine and the theatrical release, The Bride!

On paper, both had what it takes to succeed.

One had a clear hook, a recognizable lead, and a simple genre engine. The other had prestige, star power, a famous title, a big theatrical rollout, and a lot of ambition.

And yet, they landed very differently.

The bigger lesson

To me, this isn’t really about “one movie good, one movie bad”. It’s about something much bigger: Do you understand what your audience came for?

Because that matters more than ever.

A lot of writers and filmmakers hear the phrase “subvert expectations” and think that means:

• doing the opposite of what the audience wants
• rejecting genre conventions
• confusing people on purpose
• or being “different” just to be different

But that’s not the goal. The goal is to meet expectations… and then exceed them in a satisfying way. That’s where the magic is.

Story first. Always.

I feel strongly about this. And one of the things I talk about in my new video is how this all starts with story.

Not message. Not marketing. Not even concept... Story.

Ever storyteller should ask of their work:

• Who are we following?
• What do they want?
• What’s in the way?
• Why should we care?
• And what kind of experience is this movie actually promising?

When a movie answers those questions clearly, audiences tend to forgive a lot.

When it doesn’t… even a big budget and a lot of talent may not be enough.

Why this matters for writers and filmmakers

This is where I think a lot of us can learn something.

We don’t need to write safer stories. We need to write clearer, stronger, more character-driven stories.

You can still surprise people. You can still take risks. You can still be bold and original.

But the best surprises come from a place of trust.

They happen because the audience is invested. Because the characters matter. Because the story has a spine. And not because the writer wanted to prove they were smarter than the people watching.

I go much deeper in the video

In my latest YouTube video, I break down:

• why War Machine connected with its audience
• why The Bride! failed
• the difference between positive and negative subversion
• how budget, tone, genre, messaging, and word of mouth all tie back to storytelling
• and why I believe a return to traditional character-driven storytelling is still the way forward

🎥 Watch the full video here: War Machine vs The Bride! - The Lesson It Teaches​

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Want help making sure your story connects?

If you’re working on a script and wondering:

• is this story clear enough?
• am I giving the audience what they came for?
• are my twists satisfying… or just random?
• is my tone helping the story, or fighting it?

…that’s exactly the kind of thing I help writers with.

✅ Screenplay Coverage (professional feedback + next steps): Click here!​

Click Here for Coverage!

✅ One-Hour Coaching Call (story, structure, pacing, strategy): Book Your Session today!​

Book Your Coaching Call Here!

Whether you’re outlining, rewriting, or trying to figure out why the script almost works but not quite, I’d love to help.

Keep writing, keep learning, and keep telling stories people actually want to follow.

Until next time, stay creative!

Neil

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P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!

Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel​

Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking:​ www.neilchasefilm.com.

Looking for in-depth help with your script, story or film? Check out my one-on-one coaching services here.

Check out my Gothic horror-western novel, Iron Dogs, available in eBook, print, and audiobook.

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